PA Environment Digest An Update on Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania Edited By David E. Hess, Holston & Crisci July 26, 2004
Who said summer break? The State Planning Board is given a mission, deep mine safety legislative initiative announced, EPA watershed grants, green building workshops, wildlife project grants…
Contents - On the Hill Guaranteed Energy Savings Bill Signed into Law Will PA’s Growing Greener Proposals Follow New Jersey’s Toxics Fee? In Other News DEP Announces Mine Safety Legislative Initiative as Follow Up to Quecreek PECO Gives $232,000 to Philadelphia Housing Authority for Solar Energy U.S. EPA Awards $1.15 Million Grant for Schuylkill Action Network More Regional Water Resource Committee Meetings Scheduled Rendell Announces State Planning Board Members, Mission Apply Now through Oct. 1 for Alternative Fuels Grant U.S. EPA Proposes Berks County Site for Superfund List DEP Seeks Ideas for Waste Tire Recycling, Reuse Building Green Tools for Materials, Energy, Interiors and More Online Green Building Activities in Pennsylvania, Courtesy Green Building Alliance Grants for High-Priority Wildlife Projects Announced Taking Positive Actions DEP Loan Program Helps Business Save Dollars and Environment DCNR Salutes Hiking Group's Trail Work in Delaware State Forest Watershed NewsClips Regulations July 29 – Independent Regulatory Review Commission incidental mining rule August 17 - Environmental Quality Board agenda Technical Guidance & Permits Draft - Procedures for the Approval and Accreditation of Laboratories Draft - Environmental Education Grants Program Manual and Forms Final - Screening Criteria on Water Quality/ Quantity Impacts for Drinking Water Calendar of Upcoming Events July 27-29 – PROP Statewide Recycling Conference. Wilkes-Barre August 12-14 – Pennsylvania Land Choices – Teacher Workshop. Erie August 18 –Roundtable on Environmental Management Systems. Towanda August 19 –Roundtable – Measuring Environmental Performance. Wilkes-Barre Sept. 16 – Third Annual Ohio Watershed Celebration Sept. 30-Oct.2 – Fifth Annual Statewide Watershed Conference, Fogelsville. Helpful Web Links Contributions Invited
PA Environment Digest – Holston & Crisci
On the Hill
Guaranteed Energy Savings Bill Signed into Law
House Bill 1996 (Adolph-R-Delaware) was signed into law by Gov. Rendell which provides school districts and local governments with new options for saving energy through guaranteed energy savings contracts. The legislation allows local governments and school districts to enter into a contract with a third-party vendor that guarantees actual energy-related savings over a set period of years. The contract is used to purchase a complete package of energy improvements and services for the facility. If, in any year, the predetermined savings are not achieved, the third-party vendor is responsible for paying back the difference between the projected and actual energy savings. Specifically the legislation-- Expands the payback period from 10 to 15 years to allow for more energy conservation measures to be installed. Expands the types of energy conservation measures that can be included under these contracts, such as day lighting systems, renewable energy systems, and indoor air quality improvements. Clarifies that certain types of operational savings are eligible to be part of Guaranteed Energy Savings contracts, such as changes to more favorable rate schedules, and load shifting programs to reduce peak demand.
Will PA’s Growing Greener Proposals Follow New Jersey’s Toxics Fee?
Gov. Rendell proposed funding his Growing Greener II proposal with a variety of new fees on household waste, waste from businesses and chemicals reported under the federal Toxic Release Inventory. Prior to this month no other state had a similar line up of fees. However, neighboring New Jersey’s final budget settlement in June put in place or increased several sets of fees on toxic air emissions and hazardous substance transfers earmarking the revenue for improving security around nuclear power plants. Assembly Bill 3118 imposes an annual air toxics surcharge based on emissions at certain facilities. The surcharge would be based on the annual emissions of what New Jersey calls Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4 toxic substance as reported in the release and pollution prevention report for that facility. The air toxics surcharge for each facility would be: (1) $10.00 for each pound of Category 4 toxic substances released as stack or fugitive emissions; (2) $1.00 for each pound of Category 3 toxic substances released as stack or fugitive emissions; and (3) $0.10 for each pound of Category 2 toxic substances released as stack or fugitive emissions. The bill also establishes the "Nuclear Power Plant Security Fund" as a special non-lapsing fund in the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The fund will be credited with $2,000,000 from the amount of air toxics surcharges under the act. Monies in the fund must be used to provide or enhance security at nuclear power plants in this State.
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New Jersey also increase the fees imposed on hazardous substance transfers and discharges. Assembly Bill 3117 changes the tax imposed pursuant to the Spill Compensation and Control Act for transfers of hazardous substances from 0.0150 to 0.023 cents per barrel for petroleum or petroleum products, precious metals, elemental phosphorus, or in certain circumstances, antimony or antimony trioxide sold for use in the manufacture or for the purpose of fire retardants. For hazardous substances other than petroleum products, precious metals, elemental phosphorus, or, in certain circumstances, antimony or antimony trioxide sold for use in the manufacture or for the purpose of fire retardants, the bill changes the tax from 1 percent to 1.53 percent of the fair market value of the product. Will the “Green Ribbon” Commission established to look into developing an environmental funding proposal for the fall take the same track? We’ll find out!
In Other News
DEP Announces Mine Safety Legislative Initiative as Follow Up to Quecreek
Rescue Capsule
6-inch air hole Rescue Shaft 6-inch air hole Rescue Shaft
Arnold Farm Rescue site July 2002 Arnold Farm 2004
PECO Gives $232,000 to Philadelphia Housing Authority for Solar Energy
PECO Energy has provided the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) with a grant of $232,100 for installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems at 22 homes in the Grays Ferry Estates under construction in Southwest Philadelphia and the Lucien E. Blackwell Homes in West Philadelphia. The grant is part of a $500,000 PECO commitment to support solar power installation in low-income housing in Philadelphia. The company's initial grant -- $88,000 to the Norris Square Civic Association in December 2002 -- supported the installation of eight systems in the 100 block of W. Norris Street in North Philadelphia.
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The grant is made available through PECO's Universal Services program, which provides usage reduction and utility financial assistance to more than 125,000 low- income households throughout the company's service area. The Grays Ferry Estates, an affordable housing development, are being built on the site of the former Tasker Homes in Southwest Philadelphia near the Schuylkill Expressway. Eighteen of the 22 solar energy units will be installed there on south-facing homes on Mifflin Street. The remaining four units will be installed at the Blackwell Homes, formerly the Mill Creek Homes, at 46th Street and Fairmount Avenue in West Philadelphia. The Housing Authority estimates that residents using the solar systems will save from $400 to $500 yearly in energy costs, or as much as 25 percent of their energy costs each year. Six 185-watt solar panels will be mounted on each roof and connected to the home's electrical system. Each installation is expected to produce 1,630 kilowatt-hours of usable electricity in a year. Based in Philadelphia, PECO Energy is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation.
U.S. EPA Awards $1.15 Million Grant for Schuylkill Action Network
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $1.15 million grant this week to support the continuing efforts of the Schuylkill Action Network to address water quality issues in the Schuylkill River Basin in southeastern Pennsylvania through EPA’s Targeted Watershed Program. “This funding recognizes the public and private partnerships and will accelerate the pace of environmental improvement of the Schuylkill River watershed. The continuing dedication of the Schuylkill Action Network will ensure cleaner water and measurable environmental change,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region. The Schuylkill Action Network – formed in March 2003 – includes EPA, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department, Delaware River Basin Commission, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, conservation districts, local, state and federal agencies, watershed organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other essential stakeholders assisting with the crafting of local solutions. The grant will be presented later this year to the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, which will work with its grant co-applicant, the Philadelphia Water Department, and other partners to implement more than 70 projects to limit the impacts from storm water, agricultural runoff and acid drainage from abandoned coal mines. Some projects will also focus on developing market-based incentives for pollution trading and innovative technology impacts. The 130-mile Schuylkill River is a source of drinking water to more than 1.5 million people. With 180 tributaries, the river drains an area of 2,000 square miles and is the largest tributary to the Delaware River Estuary. Industrialization and mining in the last two centuries has left the Schuylkill with problems of storm water runoff, agricultural pollution, abandoned mine drainage, and sewage overflows.
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The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program was proposed in 2002 by the Bush Administration to encourage successful community-based approaches to protect and restore the nation's watersheds. This competitive grant program provides needed resources to those watershed organizations whose restoration plans set clear goals and objectives with special consideration given to water quality monitoring, innovation, a public education component and strong community support.
More Regional Water Resource Regional Committee Meetings Scheduled
The Department of Environmental Protection is continuing its series of regional water resource committee meetings in each of Pennsylvania’s six major river basins—Great Lakes, Delaware, Lower Susquehanna, Ohio, Potomac and Upper/Middle Susquehanna. Public participation is key to developing a plan to make the state a leader in water resource management and conservation. Checkout the Water Resources webpage or the Regional Committee Hompages.
Rendell Announces State Planning Board Members, Mission
Gov. Rendell this week announced the reactivation of the State Planning Board. This advisory board, comprised of cabinet secretaries, state legislators and citizens, has a mission to monitor trends and issues of concern to the Commonwealth, gather input from state and local officials and citizens and develop reports and recommendations for the Governor and the Legislature on improved state policies and programs. "This group of people brings a vast amount of experience to the table," Rendell said. "It is a well-balanced board that reflects Pennsylvania's regional diversity and the many interests that need to be involved in thinking about how we reinvest in our cities and towns, conserve our rural lands and strengthen both our urban and rural economies." The Governor has asked the Board to focus its work on specific development and conservation issues that are vital to the present and future welfare of the state. Other issues to be examined are: -- Measures to resolve conflicts among development, municipal and conservation interests on infrastructure and open-space issues. -- Specific policies to achieve smart-growth goals for revitalization of cities, towns and sustainable economic development in rural communities. -- Proposed options for improved governance measures that will enable Pennsylvania to compete more effectively for economic growth while improving the quality of life in our diverse communities. The Board will also work with and provide guidance to the Interagency Land Use Team, which has developed goals for sustainable development in Pennsylvania and is working to coordinate state agency actions on land use issues. First established in 1929, the board has been inactive since the late 1980s. All 15 members were appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Working with the Governor's Center for Local Government Services and the Governor's Policy Office, the board will provide annual updates to the Governor, the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on its activities and progress. A list of the board members follows:
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-- Robert J. Dillman, East Stroudsburg, President, East Stroudsburg University. -- Rubye Jenkins-Husband, Erie City Council Member. -- Wendell E. Pritchett, Philadelphia, Asst. Professor, University of Pennsylvania Law School. -- Stephen G. Pollack, Huntingdon Valley, Real Estate Attorney. -- Richard D. Urbano, McKees Rocks, Robinson Township Planning Director. -- Dennis Puko, Hermitage, Mercer County Planning Director. -- Ronald Bailey, Lancaster, Lancaster County Planning Director. -- Don Zucco, Johnstown, Mayor of Johnstown & Vice-President Crown American Corp. -- Judith Schwank, Reading, Chair, County Commissioners of Berks County. -- Alexander J. Graziani, Greensburg, Executive Director, Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County. -- John Westrum, Ft. Washington, President, Westrum Development Company. -- Alan Jennings, Bethlehem, Executive Director, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley. -- Ellen Ferretti, Luzerne, Vice President, Pennsylvania Environmental Council for Northeastern Pa. -- Jane Billings, Swarthmore, Swarthmore Borough Manager. -- William B. Hawk, Harrisburg, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Lower Paxton Township. Legislative Appointees: -- Rep. David Steil (R Bucks County). -- Rep. Don Walko (D Allegheny County). -- Sen. Anthony Williams (D Philadelphia County). -- Sen. Dominic F. Pileggi (R Delaware County). Ex Officio Members: -- Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. -- Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky. -- Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty. -- Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. -- Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler. -- Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman. The Governor appointed Judith Schwank, Berks County Commissioner, as the board's chair. Members can serve four-year terms.
Apply Now through Oct. 1 for Alternative Fuels Grant
Picture is a
natural gas
refueling station
in Harrisburg.
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U.S. EPA Proposes Berks County Site for Superfund List
On July 22 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to add a site contaminated with arsenic, copper and lead in Heidelberg Township, Berks County to the federal Superfund National Priorities List. The site, also known as the Ryeland Road Arsenic site, is approximately 7.33 acres in size and is currently occupied by several residential properties. Arsenic, copper, and lead contamination was detected in surface soils on these properties, with arsenic levels exceeding health-based benchmarks, and in nearby surface waters. Copper and lead were also found in residential drinking water wells at levels exceeding health-based benchmarks. This site was one of nine EPA proposed to add to the Superfund List based on various factors including: risk to human health and the environment; the response urgency needed; maintenance of a strong enforcement program; leverage of other cleanups; and program management and resource considerations. Nationally, more than 70 percent of all Superfund sites are cleaned up by those responsible for the pollution; even when EPA has to fund cleanup, the Agency works to get reimbursed from polluters under its cost recovery program. Since the beginning of the Superfund program, more than $22 billion in cleanup commitments and funding have been provided by the parties responsible for toxic waste sites.
DEP Seeks Ideas for Waste Tire Recycling, Reuse
Building Green Tools for Materials, Energy, Interiors and More Online
Interested in learning more about how to use green building techniques in your next construction project? Try the GreenerBuildings Tools and Resources webpage. Here are just a sampling of the resources available—
Architecture & Design Building Materials Energy Use Facility Management Interiors Land Use Waste Management Water Use
To learn more about green building resources and activities in Pennsylvania, contact: Delaware Valley Green Building Council, Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania, Green Building Alliance – Pittsburgh. To see and hear how green building works, visit the Building Green a webpage by GreenTreks.
Green Building Activities in Pennsylvania, Courtesy Green Building Alliance
th Alliance Building Breakfast – Green Roofs: Join GBA for breakfast on July 28 for an ABB on green roofs for your building project. This program will discuss: 3Rivers Wet Weather grantee projects; Regional green roofs: Epworth Manor & Heinz 57 Building; Maintenance and performance of existing local examples. Moderator: Joan
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Blaustein, Three Rivers Wet Weather Speakers: Jim Taylor, IKM Inc.; Ken Dengler, Garland Roofs; John Markey, The Huntley Group
Life-Cycle Assessment Seminar: Thanks to funding from the Heinz Endowments, Athena is able to offer the following seminars in the Pittsburgh area: rd August 3 (1 PM to 5 PM) Hosted by: Burt Hill Kosar Rittleman Associates th August 4 (9 AM to 12 Noon) Hosted by: Carnegie Mellon University For more information: Kristin Heist, The Athena Institute (610) 683-9066 [email protected] www.athenasmi.ca
The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) Offers LEED Services for Recycling, Waste Management and Reduction: PRC is offering recycling and waste reduction program consulting services targeted for LEED projects. Work is completed according to LEED certification standards for LEED-NC, LEED-EB and LEED-CI. PRC offers a variety of services targeting pre-construction program design; post-construction follow- up; and post-occupancy program implementation and training. Former clients include the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Felician Sisters Convent and School, and the CCI Center. For more information contact Michael Stepaniak, Program Coordinator, at (412) 431-4449 x213 or [email protected].
NESEA Green Building Tour: On Saturday, October 2 from 10am to 4pm, hundreds of green homes and buildings will open their doors to the public for the Green Buildings Open House, featuring the National Solar Tour. This annual event, which is part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour, offers a unique opportunity for people to see first-hand how clean energy and green building practices can be put to work. The North East Solar Energy Association (NESEA) is organizing the Green Buildings Open House in the six New England States, Delaware, Washington DC, New Jersey, New York state and Pennsylvania. If you would like to include your Pittsburgh- area building in this open house, contact Ryan Snow at the Green Building Alliance: [email protected].
Shades of Green: GBA has begun the search for local green building case studies to include in the 2004 issue of Shades of Green, our annual report of green building in the region. Do you have a LEED certified project in the Pittsburgh region? If so, let us know: [email protected] Further information
Looking for firms who package LEED Certification: We’d like to hear from you if your firm manages and compiles documentation for LEED Certification? If so, let us know! [email protected]
The Green Building Alliance is a non-profit organization that integrates environmentally responsible -- and high performance --design, construction and operating practices into the Greater Pittsburgh market. 412-431-0709
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Grants for High-Priority Wildlife Projects Announced
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission recently have approved 10 projects that will benefit some of the Commonwealth's most troubled wildlife and fish species under the State Wildlife Grant Program. Funded from a $1.89 million allocation provided by the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program, a cost-sharing program administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Federal Aid Program, the 10 projects were selected from a field of 35 proposals which totaled nearly $3.4 million. Projects approved by the two agencies in the latest grant round include: Second Breeding Bird Atlas This funding will support project expenses for the second and third years of the anticipated five years of fieldwork to complete the Second Breeding Bird Atlas, a statewide effort to produce the most important information on bird distributions throughout the Commonwealth. The atlas will provide an updated database of the modern distribution of all nesting bird species, and a comparison with the first atlas that was prepared in the 1980s. It also will update historic locations of species of special concern, providing new information for their management, and helping to ensure their future conservation. (Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Powdermill Nature Reserve - $239,660) Raptor Habitat Use Along the Kittatinny Ridge The Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) is recognized as a critically important corridor for migrating raptors and songbirds. More than 150 species migrate through the area each year, including more than 20,000 raptors, yet little is known about the habitat needs of species using this flyway. This project will provide essential information on habitat needs of raptor species during migration. The results of this study will be used to assist in developing a Kittatinny Ridge conservation plan addressing migratory bird conservation. (Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association - $163,900) Plan for Threatened Woodrat The eastern woodrat is a rapidly declining species in Pennsylvania, and has disappeared from most surrounding states. Yet there is no conservation plan for the maintenance and possible recovery of this threatened species. This project will use the eastern woodrat to provide a model conservation plan that can be used for other critically declining species in the Commonwealth. This pragmatic approach to recovery planning will list "best management practices" and help integrate woodrat conservation with current activities and plans used by state agencies, primarily the Bureau of Forestry and the Game Commission. When implemented, this recovery plan will help prevent the federal listing of this species. (Jerry Hassinger - $10,100) Habitat Usage by Massasauga Rattlesnake The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is rapidly declining throughout its range. This federal candidate species has now likely disappeared from three of the six counties that it formerly occupied in Pennsylvania. This project will identify habitat requirements critical to the conservation of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake in Pennsylvania -- including hibernation, gestation and foraging sites -- as well as appropriate habitat protection buffers. (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy - $119,500)
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Spawning Locations of Delaware River Atlantic Sturgeon In the late 1800s, the Delaware River supported the largest recorded fishery for Atlantic sturgeon in the world. However, Atlantic sturgeon populations collapsed under market pressure around the turn of the century. Their status in the Delaware River now is unknown, but an adult found in 2001 suggests some spawning. This project will investigate the current status and spawning habitat needs of this species at the center of its historic worldwide range. (Delaware State University - $59,500)
Important Mammal Areas Project, Phase III Pennsylvania leads the world in developing the Important Mammal Areas (IMA) program. This international pilot project works to conserve important mammal habitat through the cooperation of scientists, conservationists, sportsmen, landowners and the general public. IMA began in Pennsylvania by identifying sites critical to mammal conservation. This phase of the project will help accomplish that goal by: developing model conservation assessments for high-priority sites; completing a book manuscript highlighting Pennsylvania Important Mammal Areas; and continuing to raise public awareness of the importance of Pennsylvania's often-overlooked mammals. (National Wildlife Federation and Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation - $99,000)
Invertebrates of Special Concern Invertebrates make up the least-known and least-understood segment of Pennsylvania wildlife, yet they are critically important to the functioning ecosystems that support our larger species. This project provides the type of basic information on Pennsylvania's invertebrates needed to identify and conserve the state's most imperiled species providing immediate and direct benefits to the conservation and management of Pennsylvania ecosystems. Invertebrates affect wild food chains, public health, and the ability to conserve fish and wildlife species. We must begin to understand their unique conservation needs, and this project begins that process. (Carnegie Museum of Natural History - $102,900)
Habitat Use by Bog Turtles The federally endangered bog turtle is declining throughout its entire range. While much effort is being invested in protecting bog turtle sites, there is little information on how to manage these protected sites over the long term. This project will investigate the habitat use of bog turtles, particularly their use of late successional habitats and provide information critical to successful habitat restoration. (Shippensburg University - $17,900)
Survey of Rare Species of Fish, Reptiles and Amphibians in SE PA Historically, the Coastal Plain of southeastern Pennsylvania has been a unique habitat area that supported a number of species not found in the rest of the state. Over time, the Coastal Plain has experienced intense habitat alteration. As a result, a number of species native to this area have declined to the point of being listed as species of special concern. This Philadelphia - $14,700)
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Taking Positive Action
DEP Loan Program Helps Business Save Dollars and Environment
In the spring of 2002, the owners of Custom Castings Northeast Inc., a company that manufactures formed pillars, columns and other architectural shapes, applied for and received a Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account loan. The company which is located in Bigler, Clearfield County, used the loan to improve the P2/E2 efforts of its operation by installing new and more efficient spray equipment in order to significantly reduce the amount of overspray in their manufacturing process. During the last two years, Custom Castings has reported saving 122,000 pounds of cement and 30,000 pounds of wood. In addition, the company has reported a reduction of 96,000 pounds of waste as well as reduced labor costs. The company has realized a savings of $121,000 in addition to an increase in production in the two years since implementing their project. You can apply for the Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account loan program any time. Full Story
DCNR Salutes Hiking Group's Trail Work in Delaware State Forest
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week honored the Tarkill Group, a group of hiking enthusiasts dedicated to improving a state forestland trail in Pike and Monroe counties as DCNR’s “Group Conservation Volunteer of the Year.” The group includes eight hiking enthusiasts from Pike and Monroe counties and is named for the Delaware State Forest trail where they devoted 177 hours of volunteer labor over the past two years. Tarkill Group volunteers Peter Steele, Mary Allen, Jennifer Anderson, Rich Pavlinsky, Mary Barnyak, Terry Crowder, Julia Crowder and William Hock were honored in a ceremony today near the Delaware State Forest District Office in Swiftwater, Monroe County. In an earlier ceremony this spring, Mark H. Christy of Imperial, Allegheny County was recognized at Raccoon Creek State Park, Beaver County, as DCNR's 'Conservation Volunteer of the Year.' Last year Christy devoted almost 500 volunteer hours to cleaning, mapping and surveying park trails, and outlining their attributes in a guide he published, and on a Web site he maintains. Together, these nine volunteers joined hundreds of others across the state to push volunteer service in state parks and forests to a record level in 2003. The milestone 566,090 hours compiled last year surpasses 2002's total of 561,487. The bulk of the 2003 volunteer hours -- 508,756 -- was performed in state parks. The Bureau of Forestry reported 54,085 hours, while DCNR's Bureau of Facility Design and Construction logged 549. The Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council reported 549 hours for the year. For the seventh consecutive year, volunteers tallied a record commitment of service in the state's 117 state parks and 2.1 million acres of state forestland. The 2003 total tabulated by DCNR marked the highest amount contributed to the agency's Conservation Volunteer Program since its inception in 1997.
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Watershed NewsClips
$1.5 Million Grant to Schuylkill Action Network Perfect Weather Supported 2004 Wild and Scenic Allegheny River Sojourn Public Review Period Announced for Great Lakes Water Withdrawal Agreement Teachers Explore Delaware Estuary Delaware Estuary Program Sponsors Herbicide Application Workshop Stormwater BMP Tour and Update at Villanova Western PA Watershed Program Announces Grant Awards USDA to Assess Environmental Benefits of Conservation Programs Shamokin Creek Festival Bigger Than Ever
Regulations
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission will meet on July 29 to consider a final Environmental Quality Board regulation to exclude extraction of coal incidental to government-financed highway construction or reclamation projects from the coal mining requirements of Chapters 86, 87 and 88. See the June 15 EQB agenda packet for a copy of the rule.
August 17 - Environmental Quality Board meeting agenda will include: Final - Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards; Proposed - Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Final - Small NOx, Stationary Internal Combustion Engines and Cement Kilns. Agenda and meeting packet items will be posted on the EQB meeting page shortly.
Pennsylvania Bulletin – July 24, 2004 Comment Deadlines Open
Copies of Proposed Regulations Status of Regulations, 6-Month Calendar
Technical Guidance & Permits
These draft guidance documents were put out by DEP for public comment this week by August 17:
DEP ID: 150-2302-005 Title: Procedures for the Approval and Accreditation of Drinking Water Laboratories in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
DEP ID: 150-2302-004 Title: Procedures for the Approval and Accreditation of Laboratories in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Utilizing the NELAC Standard
DEP ID: 012-5500-001 Title: 2005 Environmental Education Grants Program Manual and Forms
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This final guidance document was release by DEP this week:
DEP ID: 383-2131-001 Title: Screening Criteria on Water Quality/ Quantity Impacts for Drinking Water
For copies of Draft Technical Guidance For copies of Final Technical Guidance
Calendar of Upcoming Events
July 27-29 – PROP Statewide Recycling Conference. Wilkes-Barre August 12-14 – Pennsylvania Land Choices – Teacher Workshop, Glinodo Center, Erie. Pat Lupo, 814-899-2572 [email protected] August 18 – Northcentral Pollution Prevention Roundtable on Environmental Management Systems. Towanda. Jane Savko, 412-325-1565 ext. 34 [email protected] and World Class Industrial Network. August 19 – Northeast Pollution Prevention Roundtable – Measuring Environmental Performance. Wilkes-Barre. Jane Savko, 412-325-1565 ext. 34 [email protected] Sept. 16 – Third Annual Ohio Watershed Celebration. Maggie Hall 412-442-4000 [email protected] Sept. 30-Oct.2 – Fifth Annual Statewide Watershed Conference, Fogelsville.
DEP Calendar of Events Watershed Events
Helpful Web Links
Daily NewsClips Weekly DEP Update GreenTreks Network Watershed Weekly
DEP Press Releases DEP Advisory Committee Meetings & Agendas
Contributions Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - [email protected] .
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service to the clients of Holston & Crisci and the public. Holston & Crisci is a Harrisburg-based government affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Holston & Crisci call 717-234-1716.
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